(Up to: Taoism )

Hmm, this node has an almost cliched, tacky, "Little Book of Calm" feel to it. Ah well.

Whenever I go to somewhere out of the way, such as a trip to the countryside, I feel a sense of hectic frustration whenever I get back to Brighton, much as I love it.

I figure there must be ways to actively relax when surrounded by the lights and sounds of a big city, without cutting oneself off completely from social forays. I shall try and list some here as I think of them...

• Trees and greenery are important. Find places that have them, then sit next to them. Even if the space is surrounded by rushing vehicles, it helps a bit I guess.
• See The Art Of The Environment.
• Narrow spaces are more claustrophobic. Find big areas where the sky is big.
• Find busy places (shopping centres/malls are good) and don't worry about buying anything - just find a place to sit (doesn't have to be a proper "seat" or anything) and watch everyone rush past. For some reason, observing busy people go about hectically is soothing. And amusing, too.
• Children manage to find fun things to do in the most barren of places. Feel free to copy them, and climb around walls, floors, pillars, etc.

(See also: The Fall Of An Empire )